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Median aperture of the fourth ventricle revisited
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Abstract
Material and methods: The Magendie foramen was studied in 30 fixed specimens of human brainstems with cerebella. The microdissection technique was used. Measurements were taken with a microscope ocular ruler.
Results: The aperture is limited by the following structures: obex and gracile tubercles inferiorly, and tela choroidea with choroid plexus superolaterally. Obex tubercles usually have the form of a piece of neural tissue bridging two halves of the brainstem above the entrance to the central canal. Gracile tubercles together are 8.15 mm wide and the maximal width of the foramen is 6.53 mm. Tela choroidea attaches laterally at both sides to the inferior medullary velum. In most cases the right and left choroid plexus are connected to each other with a triangular membrane of tela choroidea, which protrudes through the median foramen and attaches to the vermis at a highly variable level.
Conclusions: We hope that the presented description of anatomical relations around the Magendie aperture, with its new measurements, will be helpful for those operating in the area and will explain some of the inaccuracies found in literature. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 2: 84–90)
Abstract
Material and methods: The Magendie foramen was studied in 30 fixed specimens of human brainstems with cerebella. The microdissection technique was used. Measurements were taken with a microscope ocular ruler.
Results: The aperture is limited by the following structures: obex and gracile tubercles inferiorly, and tela choroidea with choroid plexus superolaterally. Obex tubercles usually have the form of a piece of neural tissue bridging two halves of the brainstem above the entrance to the central canal. Gracile tubercles together are 8.15 mm wide and the maximal width of the foramen is 6.53 mm. Tela choroidea attaches laterally at both sides to the inferior medullary velum. In most cases the right and left choroid plexus are connected to each other with a triangular membrane of tela choroidea, which protrudes through the median foramen and attaches to the vermis at a highly variable level.
Conclusions: We hope that the presented description of anatomical relations around the Magendie aperture, with its new measurements, will be helpful for those operating in the area and will explain some of the inaccuracies found in literature. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 2: 84–90)
Keywords
anatomy; choroid plexus; cisterna magna; foramen of Magendie; neurosurgical approach
Title
Median aperture of the fourth ventricle revisited
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
84-90
Published online
2011-06-01
Page views
567
Article views/downloads
3290
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2011;70(2):84-90.
Keywords
anatomy
choroid plexus
cisterna magna
foramen of Magendie
neurosurgical approach
Authors
M. Ciołkowski
M. Sharifi
S. Tarka
B. Ciszek